NTR Bharosa Pension Scheme was introduced by the Andhra Pradesh government in October 2014 as a flagship social welfare scheme. It is an essential financial support for the vulnerable population of the state. It empowers the elderly, widows, disabled persons, transgender people, and other weaker sections to live with dignity. It has been time and again updated to make it more impactful and to cover more beneficiaries.

Also Read: Haryana Old Age Pension: Govt Releases New Beneficiary List—Here’s How To Check Your Application Status

Changes Announced in 2024

In June 2024, the government revealed a flurry of decisions that raised the pension amounts, thereby meeting the commitment to raise the welfare of the poor and marginalized. Since July 2024, the pension amount has been revised at this rate:

1. The pension amount has been increased for the aged, widows, weavers, single women, fishermen, and transgender people at Rs 4,000 monthly. The pension amount for disabled and multi-deformity leprosy patients has been hiked to Rs 6,000 per month

2. Individuals who are totally disabled and those under treatment for chronic diseases like dialysis or organ transplants will be entitled to a higher pension of Rs 10,000 per month.

How to Apply

Eligible individuals can enroll in the NTR Bharosa Pension Scheme through both online and offline methods:

Online Application:

1. Visit the official website (sspensions.ap.gov.in)

2. Fill in the required details, such as personal and demographic information

3. Upload necessary documents like age proof, disability certificates, or widowhood certificates based on the eligibility category

Offline Application:

1. Visit the nearest government office or village/ward secretariat

2. Submit the completed application form along with relevant documents

All such applications are authenticated through Aadhaar-enabled biometric authentication, preventing duplication, and providing complete transparency.

Benefits of the Scheme

The NTR Bharosa Pension Scheme gives different types of vulnerable groups the required financial support along with providing economic stability.

Elderly People: This ensures that those above 60 years old are able to live independently, meeting their basic needs without relying on family or charity. The pension will be there as a safety net for the elderly in case they lack a regular income.

Widows: Most of the widows are stigmatized in society. However, through the pension, they are supported to rebuild their lives and meet their everyday needs. This enables them to live with dignity.

Disabled Persons: The sum paid to the disabled is greater than that payable to the other groups. The pension scheme, in the end, seeks to fulfil all the needs for the disabled group, including the cost of assistive devices, health care, and even transport. Persons with a 40 per cent and more disability are specifically included.

Chronic Illness Patients: Patients who are undergoing treatments for diseases like kidney failures or organ transplantation are highly subsidized up to Rs 10,000 per month. It manages the money that is wasted on a regular basis against medical facilities and reduces this burden on family members.

Transgender Persons: It gives financial assistance to transgender above 18 years of age who utilize facilities for independent living in a society in which opportunities are denied, and they face discrimination.

Artisan Communities: The weavers and cobblers are also supported. The pensions enable them to sustain their respective livelihoods as the demand goes down for their skills.

It is more than just giving financial aid and security and a sense of belonging amongst its beneficiaries. The constant disbursal of pensions allows recipients to plan for their expenses, receive health care, and avoid debt traps. Many view the scheme as something more than just money; it's a way to regain dignity and independence.